Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Withdraw from International Criminal Court (ICC)
The military-led West African nations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, branding it a "neo-colonial" imperialist tool.
The juntas which took over in Bamako, Ouagadougou and Niamey after coups between 2020 and 2023 have since allied themselves in a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and distanced themselves from the West, notably from former colonial ruler France.
The court, based in The Hague, was "an instrument of neo-colonialist repression in the hands of imperialism," the three countries said in a joint statement.
The ICC has proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression.
The three States also said they wanted to create "indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice".
A State's withdrawal only takes effect one year after the official submission of the case to the UN general secretariat.
Jio Payments Bank Introduces "Savings Pro" Earn Up to 6.5%
Jio Payments Bank, in September 2025, launched a new facility called Savings Pro, designed to help account holders earn significantly higher returns on funds that would otherwise lie idle.
Rather than keeping surplus funds in a savings account earning minimal interest, Savings Pro allows users to set a threshold (starting from Rs. 5,000) and automatically invests the excess into overnight mutual funds.
Paytm Money Partners with JioBlackRock to Launch India's First Systematic Active Equity Fund
Paytm Money partnered with JioBlackRock launched India's first Systematic Active Equity (SAE) fund for retail investors.
The JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund will be available exclusively on the Paytm Money app with a New Fund Offer from September 23 to October 7, 2025.
DoT's NCCS Designates one More Telecom Security Testing Laboratory for Security Testing of IP Routers under ComSec Scheme
In a boost to the country's telecom security testing ecosystem, the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) under Department of Telecommunications, has designated M/s Compliance International Pvt. Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh, as a Telecom Security Testing Laboratory (TSTL) for testing IP Routers under the Communication Security Certification (ComSec) Scheme.
With this addition, the number of designated TSTLs in India has increased to nine, these TSTLs are spread across Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. These laboratories provide pan-India access, enabling faster and more cost-effective compliance testing for OEMs, importers, and service providers, closer to their business hubs.
Quinton de Kock Reverses ODI Retirement; Returns to White-ball Squads for Pakistan Series
South African keeper-batter Quinton de Kock did a U-turn on his ODI retirement, returning to the white-ball squad for the away Pakistan series.
Having retired from the ODIs following the conclusion of South Africa's 2023 ODI WC campaign, de Kock continued playing the shortest format.
He last featured for the Proteas during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas, where India beat South Africa in the final in Barbados.
While veteran David Miller will captain the T20I side, emerging batting sensation Matthew Breetzke will lead the One-Day team. On the other hand, Aiden Markram will captain the Test team in Temba Bavuma's absence, who misses out due to a calf strain.
Department of Food and Public Distribution Signs MoU with FCI
Department of Food and Public Distribution, in September 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Food Corporation of India in New Delhi.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the MoU aims to set performance parameters and goals to ensure greater efficiency and accountability in food grain management.
The agreement will emphasize on reducing storage losses, improving the utilization of warehousing capacity, enhancing logistics and supply chain performance, and strengthening quality control.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) entered into a strategic partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to support the Indian Air Force's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
The consortium plans to respond to the Government of India's Expression of Interest in the coming weeks.
This collaboration combines L&T's expertise in developing strategic defence and aerospace platforms with BEL's experience in defence electronics and systems.
The Yorkshire County Cricket Club confirmed the passing of Dickie Bird, one of the most celebrated and respected figures in world cricket, at the age of 92.
Born in Barnsley in 1933, Bird played first-class cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire before an injury cut short his playing career.
He went on to become one of the most recognised umpires in the history of the game, standing in 66 Test matches and 69 ODIs, including three World Cup finals. Known for his integrity, humour and distinctive style, he earned admiration from players and fans worldwide.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) e-Khata initiative was conferred with the National eGovernance Award 2025 at the 28th National eGovernance Awards held in Visakhapatnam.
Recognised for its transformative impact on digitising property records, enhancing transparency, and improving citizen service delivery, the eKhata project was conceptualised under the leadership of D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru in charge Minister.
UK PM Keir Starmer Honoured with 'Living Bridge' Award for India-UK FTA
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer awarded the prestigious 'Living Bridge' honour for his instrumental role in fostering deeper India-UK relations and successfully concluding the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The award, presented at a ceremony in the House of Lords in London in September 2025, recognises individuals and organisations who significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral ties.
The award was accepted on Starmer's behalf by Seema Malhotra, Britain's Indian-origin Minister for the Indo-Pacific in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Organised annually by the India Business Group (IBG), the Living Bridge Awards spotlight those who serve as symbolic 'living bridges' between India and the UK, enhancing collaboration in areas like trade, education, culture, and diplomacy.
Karnataka Launches Rs 1,000 Crore "LEAP" to Fuel Innovation Across the State
The Karnataka government launched a bold new initiative called LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Programme), with an outlay of Rs. 1,000 crore over five years.
Designed to spread innovation and entrepreneurial growth beyond Bengaluru, LEAP aims to create five lakh jobs, uplift emerging tech clusters across the state, and strengthen startup ecosystems from schools to global markets.
The programme is intended to address key gaps — infrastructure, funding, mentorship — so that innovation reaches every region of Karnataka.
One of the central goals is to generate 5 lakh (500,000) jobs across Karnataka outside Bengaluru. Clusters identified for special focus include Mysuru Chamarajanagar, Mangaluru Udupi, Hubbali Belagavi Dharwad, Tumkur, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga.
Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, a groundbreaking nationwide innovation movement set to engage students across schools throughout India.
'Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025' is being organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and AICTE.
During the event, the Minister launched the jingle and the logo of Viksit Bharat Buildathon. The Minister stated that the largest-ever school hackathon, Viksit Bharat Buildathon, would further strengthen the culture of innovation at the grassroots by encouraging students to ideate and build products on four themes: 'Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, and Samriddhi.'
He further said that the initiative would celebrate student innovations, engineer an innovation renaissance in the country, and ensure that the young generations become key drivers of Samriddhi, Viksit, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Buildathon aims to inspire creative thinking for national development, promote self-reliance and sustainable growth, and project India as a global innovation capital through a potential world record in school-level innovation participation.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind Inaugurates New Premises of KingMakers IAS Academy in Chennai
Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, addressed a gathering of civil service aspirants at the inauguration of the new branch of Kingmaker IAS Academy in September 2025, urging them to aspire for a higher sense of purpose and public service.
Speaking at the event, Kovind emphasised that while civil servants wield great authority, courage would define who they are. He advised students to become the kind of officers they themselves would wish to see in government- honest, empathetic, and driven by values.
India Hosts Lord Buddha's Sacred Relics Exhibition in Russia
In a landmark initiative, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is organising an international exhibition of Lord Buddha's sacred relics in Kalmykia, Russia, from September 24 to October 1, 2025.
The sacred relics, discovered at Piprahwa in Kapilvastu, Uttar Pradesh, hold immense historical, archaeological, and spiritual significance for the global Buddhist community.
Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya is leading the official delegation carrying the relics to Russia.
The exhibition represents India's soft power and cultural diplomacy, highlighting Buddha's timeless message of peace, compassion, and non-violence. Similar exhibitions in Thailand and Vietnam receive overwhelming global response, enhancing India's cultural stature.
China to Launch K Visa to Attract Global Talent amid H1-B Crackdown
While US might have an upper hand in tariff war, China seems to be scoring ahead in visa game. Beijing's K visa, which is set to take effect from October 1, is billed as a strategic tool to attract young foreign science and technology talent. The order will take affect amid the H-1B visa chaos caused by the Donald Trump administration, driving away foreign talent from working in US companies in the long-run.
The K visa specifically targets graduates in STEM fields and early-career researchers with at least a bachelor's degree from recognized institutions worldwide. Unlike China's existing work visas, it does not require applicants to secure a local employer before applying. Holders will be able to engage in education, research, entrepreneurship, and business activities, making it an especially flexible option for young professionals and innovators, according to a report by China Briefing.
Tourism Deptartment Shows UP's Culture at Paris Expo
Uttar Pradesh tourism department, in September 2025, was set to put up a two-day show at Paris Expo Porte de Versaillesin in France.
The state was showcased its cultural richness, spiritual depth, and experiential tourism offerings to the European travel community.
The pavilion was highlighted UP's sacred circuits — from Ayodhya and Mathura-Vrindavan to the transformative Buddhist Circuit and the eternal ghats of Varanasi. Visitors were also experience the grandeur of heritage marvels such as the Taj Mahal. Perfume Tourism of Kannauj, where centuries-old deg-bhapka traditions of natural fragrance-making continue to flourish, was showcased.